Chargers position analysis: D-Line

A bye-week look at how the Chargers defensive line has fared this season and what it needs to do when San Diego returns to action.

What’s gone right

Against some good backs they have been stout against the run, ranking eighth in the league in rushing defense. Also fortunate is that the injuries that have plagued much of the rest of the team have not beset this group. The pressure on the QB seems to be improving.

What’s gone wrong

There was not enough hurrying of quarterbacks in the losses, and as a group the linemen have only five sacks total, with Corey Liuget and Kendall Reyes each standing at two apiece. Mobile quarterbacks have been particularly troublesome.

Player who has stepped up

Reyes started only four games last season as a second-round draft pick out of Connecticut. He’s started all seven this year and is second on the line behind Liuget in solo tackles with 10. Downside: Only two solos total in past two games.

Player who still needs work

Part of it’s the nature of being the inside tackle, but Cam Thomas has not been very prominent beyond his interception for TD in the first game. He has no sacks, only 10 tackles (4 solo) in six starts, and no tackles in the past two games.

What this unit needs to accomplish after the bye

Coach Mike McCoy said the line was challenged a couple of weeks ago to “pick it up; we need to get more pressure on the quarterback.” The players did so against the capable Colts and weak Jaguars. Keeping it up is critical.